Getting the place ready for Christmas is almost as enjoyable as the big day.
Putting up the decorations has made the top three in a list of festive season highlights.
In first place (chosen by 46% of those polled) is spending time with loved ones.
Settling down to a Christmas special on the TV also made it into the top five.
Going to the boozer for a quick pint on Christmas Day, sprouts, seeing family members fall asleep in an armchair, and even the chaos of getting the food on the table for the big meal are also among the top 35 things we most love about Christmas.
Paul Stokes, from M&S Credit Card which was behind the survey of 2,000 adults, said: “It’s great to see just how much there is that makes Christmas feel like such a special time for so many of us, whether it’s the first mince pie of the season, sitting down to Christmas dinner or shopping while listening to festive carols, there is so much we look forward to as a nation.
“Our research also indicates that many Brits are confident they’ll have a fantastic Christmas, even if they may be planning to spend a little less during the festive period than last year.”
THE 35 GREATEST THINGS ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN THE UK
1. Being together with family and friends (46 per cent)
2. Treating loved ones to a special gift (38 per cent)
3. Decorating the house (37 per cent)
4. Watching a Christmas special on the telly (32 per cent)
5. Watching younger family members open their stockings (31 per cent)
6. Entertaining friends and family (30 per cent)
7. Hearing Christmas songs while out shopping (30 per cent)
8. Mince pies (25 per cent)
9. Seeing shop windows dressed in festive decorations (24 per cent)
10. Christmas lights being switched on (24 per cent)
11. Eating chocolate in the morning (23 per cent)
12. Sharing a massive tin of chocolates during a movie (22 per cent)
13. Boxing Day leftover sandwiches (22 per cent)
14. Playing board games (21 per cent)
15. The smell of the Christmas tree (21 per cent)
16. Wearing Christmas jumpers (20 per cent)
17. Making the table look pretty (20 per cent)
18. The chaos of getting Christmas lunch on the table (18 per cent)
19. A Christmas tipple (17 per cent)
20. A Boxing Day walk (16 per cent)
21. Getting dressed up on Christmas morning (16 per cent)
22. Everyone looking silly in their cracker hats (15 per cent)
23. Sprouts (15 per cent)
24. Buying a present for your pet (14 per cent)
25. Changing into your pyjamas straight after lunch (14 per cent)
26. Mulled wine (14 per cent)
27. Family members nodding off in an armchair (14 per cent)
28. Singing carols (13 per cent)
29. Shaking your presents to see what you got (13 per cent)
30. Bucks Fizz (12 per cent)
31. Tucking into your first Christmas sandwich of the year (12 per cent)
32. Leaving a mince pie out for Father Christmas (12 per cent)
33. Lighting the fire (12 per cent)
34. Going to the pub for a quick drink on Christmas Day (12 per cent)
35. A visit to Santa’s grotto (10 per cent)
